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The beautiful Hawaiian Island of Oahu is a great location for a family vacation. It offers visitors everything from the bustling city of Waikiki to high country pineapple plantations and mazes and soft sandy beaches. Traveling with children brings many joys, but also provides it's own set of challenges. Often the attractions that first spring to mind are not entirely well suited to children, particularly preschoolers and infants. Visits to locations like the Arizona Monument and the beautiful Iolani Palace may be best saved for when your children are older and better able to appreciate them. However, there are more than enough fantastic attractions to explore on Oahu.

The Honolulu Zoo

151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 Tel :(808) 971-7171

The Zoo is a great family attractio. It is open every day except for Christmas Day and at only $8 for an adult, $1 for kids and entirely free for the under fives it is a bargain! Picnics are welcome making this a fantastic budget friendly activity.

Waikiki Aquarium

777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu. 96815. Tel:(808) 923-3974

Sticking with the animal theme, the Aquarium is also worth a visit. There are plenty of great hands on exhibits that allow you and your children to experience the best that the underwater world has to offer. Check out their great on line tour before you go. The aquarium is affiliated with the University of Hawaii, allowing it to provide some fantastic educational opportunities for families.

Kuola Ranch

49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kaaawa, HI 96730, Tel: (808) 237-8515.

For those who prefer to stick to dry land and are ready to hit the saddle, Kuolo Ranch offers a great horseback adventure for kids over age 3. The ranch is 45 minutes drive north of Waikiki and is an incredibly fun program and something even young children will be able enjoy.

Polynesian Cultural Center

55-370 Kamehameha Highway in Laie, 96762.

The Cultural Center offers a unique look at the history of the Hawaiian Islands and their other Polynesian cousins. Run by the Mormon Church and staffed mostly by students at the nearby Brigham Young University, the Cultural Center allows you to travel through Polynesian history and culture and glimpse life the way it was before Hawaii became the 50th state. End your day with a traditional Luau and a phenomenal Hula show featuring traditional dances including some spectacular drumming and fire dancing. It is a must see for the whole family.

Ko'Olina Lagoons.

91-1001 Olani Street Kapolei, 96707.

No trip to Hawaii would be complete without a trip to the beach. Oahu's coast is littered with fantastic beaches. However, they are not all safe or appropriate for young children. Absolutely check out the North Shore and watch the phenomenal surfers. It is spectacular. But the very waves that attract the surfers make these beaches a hazard for young children. The best area to enjoy the warm Hawaiian waters with your kids is at Ko'Olina Lagoons. These 4 man made, saltwater lagoons offer the perfect spot for young children to explore the sand and ocean without the constant fear that a strong wave will knock them down. Parking can be tough as they are incredibly popular, so plan on arriving early in the morning.

Waikiki Beach

Any trip to Hawaii has to include a trip to Waikiki Beach. This iconic beach is usually pretty busy so maybe not the best place to relax with young children, but the sand is clean and well cared for and perfect for building sand castles. The area is full of shops and restaurants and even the fussiest of family's is bound to find somewhere along this stretch to fit their tastes and budget.

Dole Plantation

64.1550 Kamehameha Highway, Waihiawa, 96786. Tel: (808) 621-8408

The Plantation makes a fantastic family destination. The main attractions for kids are riding the pineapple express train and exploring the phenomenal maze. The maze is billed as the worlds largest and is a lot of fun for the whole family. You really haven't tasted pineapple until you have eaten it in Hawaii, and it doesn't get any fresher than at the dole plantation! The plantation also has some of the most stunningly beautiful tropical gardens that you will ever see. Make sure you take your camera, it is the perfect spot for dozens of family photos. It is about a 40 minute drive from Waikiki, but definitely worth the trip.

Diamond Head State Monument.

Depending on the age and physical abilities of your children it may be worth taking a short hike. Oahu offers some great easy to moderate walks. Try Likeke Falls in Kaneohe or Pu'u Pia in Manoa Valley, which will reward you with some stunning views of Honolulu. If your little legs are up to it, visit Diamond Head. The path is a little more challenging and not suitable for a stroller at all as the top of the walk is all steps. The view is spectacular though! Make sure you carry plenty of water and apply sunscreen before you set off on any hike.

Hawaiian Sea Life Park

41-202 Kalanianaole Highway 7,Waimanalo, 96795.Tel: (866) 393-5158.

This is a very reasonably priced attraction, it offers some fantastic sealife encounters, particularly the stingrays. You are able to wade in the water with these friendly creatures who really enjoy human touch. It is a unique experience and one that your family will no doubt remember for years to come. In addition to the stingrays there are turtles, penguins and sea lions. They also offer a great opportunity to swim with and interact with dolphins. This sleepy little town also hides a great beach that is a little off the beaten track, but a perfect spot to watch the sun rise.

Hawaiin Waters Adventure Park.

400 Farrington Highway Kapolei, HI 96707 Tel: (808) 674-9283.

If you are still looking for something to do, try the Hawaiin Waters Adventure Park. This water park also offers crazy golf and is the perfect place for some family playtime.

Each of the Hawaiian Islands has it's own character and charm. Oahu has so many great destinations and activities to offer families that it would be impossible to list them all. The Hawaiians value family and children very highly. Restaurants, shops and hotels welcome families and usually offer plenty of help and assistance to make sure that everyone is well taken care of. It is a spectacularly beautiful location and a great destination for any family vacation.

Learn more about this author, Julie Wood.
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